March, 2015 – Joey’s Outback Events
April, 2015 – YWCA’s Stand Against Racism Luncheon
April, 2015 – YWCA’s Stand Against Racism Luncheon
Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd, the first female president of Alabama State University, will be the featured speaker at the YWCA of Palm Beach County’s annual “Stand Against Racism” Luncheon to be held on Friday, April 24, 2015, 11:45 a.m. at the Kravis Center’s Cohen Pavilion.
A native of Montgomery, Alabama, Boyd earned her undergraduate degree from ASU with a major in mathematics and a double minor in physics and music. Upon graduation, Boyd received a fellowship to pursue graduate work at Yale University, where she was the first African-American female to earn a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. She also has earned both the Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from Howard University.
Boyd took the helm at ASU after more than three decades of extraordinary leadership and public service in Washington, D.C. A noted engineer, Boyd began her tenure at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory as an analyst in the Strategic Systems Department, where she worked on evaluations of Strategic Weapons Systems on Polaris, Poseidon and Trident submarines. In 1999, she became the Assistant for Development Programs and was later named Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff at APL. In 1997, Boyd was selected to become a member of the Johns Hopkins Diversity Leadership Council and served as chair from 2001-2104.
An internationally recognized champion of education, especially as it relates to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines, Boyd was nominated by President Barack Obama and received senate confirmation to serve as a trustee to the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation in 2009. President Obama has appointed Boy to the President’s Advisory Commission on Educational Excellence for African-Americans.
Boyd’s accomplishments also include serving as the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and as the chairperson of the sorority’s Centennial Celebration in 2013. Boyd’s remarkable list of achievements includes two honorary doctorates, Congressional recognitions, 23 keys to various cities throughout the country, declarations of Gwendolyn E. Boyd Day in eight cities, civic citations, and various leadership and volunteer awards, as well as professional awards for her achievements in the fields of engineering and higher education.
“We are thrilled to have Dr. Boyd as our guest for this event,” said Suzanne Turner, CEO of the YWCA. She added, “Her presentation is certain to be a fascinating view of a very interesting life journey.”
“Stand Against Racism” is a national program of the YWCA, taking place from April 23-26, with the goal of bringing together people across the country to raise awareness about racism, take steps to eliminate it, and celebrate diversity. Organizations that share the YWCA’s vision can participate as a partner agency; to get additional information and register, please visit www.standagainstracism.org.
With the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, the YWCA is committed to fostering greater community unity among the various races and ethnicities in Palm BeachCounty. The luncheon will include the presentation of the YWCA’s Annual Racial Justice Awards.
Presenting Sponsor is FPL.
Tickets for the luncheon are $50, and reservations can be made by calling 561-640-0050, Ext. 134.
March, 2015 – A Walk on the Wild Side
March 15, 2015 – Walk on the Wild Side
Endangered cheetah cub with Marcella Leone – founder/director LEO Zoological Conservation Center and wife of equestrian Peter Leone LEO Zoological Conservation Center. LEO is a nonprofit, off exhibit, accredited breeding reserve, in Greenwich, Connecticut, for rare and endangered animals. They are proud to aid in wildlife conservation through captive breeding programs for zoological populations, captive bred for wild release programs, conservation based research, youth education programs and education outreach programs. LEO is unique from other zoological institutions and fills a dire and growing need for an off-exhibit breeding center by providing vast, natural and quiet habitats uninterrupted by the constant pressure of human crowds. For more information on LEO:
http://leozoo.org/ Follow LEO: @LEOConservation
March, 2015 – Lollipop Fundraiser for a Sick Panther
Audrey Raises Money for a Sick FL Panther
We are so proud of you, Audrey Thompson! Audrey is the daughter of one of our advertising sales reps Shawn Thompson at AroundWellington.com.
The Thompson family was invited by the owner at Panther Ridge Conservation Center for a private tour…Audrey raised $100 for this amazing place by selling lollipops! It was all her idea after she read that the center needed to raise money for a sick panther. She was excited to meet Judy, the owner, and all of her beautiful big cats – especially a 21-year-old Florida Panther named Audrey! Judy is such an amazing person for how she takes care of these endangered cats that needed a home. And this place is in our hometown of Wellington! Audrey has such a big heart for animals too and hopes to one day volunteer here!
February, 2015 – Seven Students Earn Lebow Award
SEVEN PALM BEACH COUNTY STUDENTS EARN LEBOW AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SHAKESPEAREAN PERFORMANCE
Photo: (Left to Right) Elize Jadimene, Brittany Gardner, Jepthelee Jordonne, Jasmine Ellis, Marina Gasparini, Majesty Smith, Kandyce Kennedy.
(WEST PALM BEACH, FL) – The Sixth Annual Alan Lebow Award for Excellence in Shakespearean Performance was presented on February 7 in the Kravis Center’s Khoury Family Dance Rehearsal Hall to seven Palm Beach County students from four local high schools.
Created by Kids’ Dreams, Inc., in memory of its co-founder, Alan Lebow, the award honors students from Title I high schools who had performed short selections from William Shakespeare’s works before a panel of distinguished judges.
This year’s Top Winner, earning a $1,500 cash prize, was Jephthelee Jordonne, a junior at Boynton Beach Community High School. Two other Top Winners, Elize Jadimene and Kandyce Kennedy, a senior and junior, respectively, at Boynton Beach Community High School, were awarded $1,000 each.
Honorable Mention awards and $500 each went to Majesty Smith, a senior at Inlet Grove High School, and Brittany Gardner, a senior at Boynton Beach Community High School. Distinguished Participant awards and $250 each went to Marina Gasparini and Jasmine Ellis, both seniors at Royal Palm Beach High School.
“For more than 20 years, the Kravis Center has helped students of all ages fuel their imaginations and expand their lives through comprehensive arts education programs,” CEO Judith Mitchell told the audience. “To date, we have served two million students. Tonight, I am pleased to be here to honor the accomplishments of the 2015 Lebow Award recipients.”
Amanda Lebow, daughter of the award’s namesake and a board member of Kids’ Dreams, spoke to the audience about her father’s love of Shakespeare, and of performance art.
“My dad would quote sonnets at the dinner table, perform soliloquies on family trips, and write all my summer camp letters in iambic pentameter,” she said. “He would be so proud to see that his love of the Bard and passion for the stage is still being carried on today by all of you amazing students.”
The students performed their selections during an audition workshop on December 13. They were evaluated and scored by the judges in five categories of performance, which included concentration, emotional commitment, energy, evidence of understanding and overall performance.
Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and County Commissioner Priscilla Taylor presented the awards, followed by performances by the top five winners. After the ceremony, all the students who had participated in the workshop were invited to attend a performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, produced by Aquila Theatre Company, in the Kravis Center’s Rinker Playhouse.
The Alan Lebow Award for Excellence is intended to assist students attending Palm Beach County Title I high schools students while honoring Lebow, a man whose passion in life involved theatre, film, art and literature always with an overriding touch of kindness for all those he met on his journey through life.
Lebow was active in the philanthropic community as an early supporter and Founder of the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. He and his wife, Patricia, endowed the Lebow Family Scholarship at the University of Richmond, Mt. Sinai Medical Center as Founder and established Kids’ Dreams, Inc. a public charity whose mission is to provide Palm Beach County youth an opportunity to participate in the culture of the community in conjunction with mentoring from law enforcement. Visit kidsdreams.org for more info on the Lebow Award for Excellence.
Established as a leading force in the social fabric of the community, the Kravis Center’s many outreach programs are as broad and varied as the community itself. For more information on education programming at the Kravis Center, please call the Kravis Center Education Department at 561-651-4251 or visit kravis.org/education.
March, 2015 – Honoring Conductor Lee Musiker
The Palm Beach Pops Congratulates Music Director and Principal Conductor Lee Musiker for Grammy Award Winning Album with Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga
The Palm Beach Pops will Conclude the 2014-15 Season with Concerts this Weekend in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach
(Palm Beach Gardens, FL – March 3, 2015) Charlotte Laurent-Ottomane, Executive Director of The Palm Beach Pops, today congratulated the orchestra’s Music Director and Principal Conductor Lee Musiker for his masterful work on the hit album “Cheek to Cheek” by Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga. The longtime music director for the legendary Tony Bennett did the vocal and rhythm arrangement for the recording which last month received the 2015 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Musiker served as Music Director and Principal Conductor for the Palm Beach Pops for the 2014-2015 season. Recognized internationally for his frequent collaborations with the premier artists from Broadway, Opera, Classical, Jazz and Pop, including Joshua Bell, Tony Bennett, Andrea Bocelli, Chris Botti, Michael Bublé, Kristin Chenowith, Barbara Cook, Renée Fleming, Lady Gaga, Josh Groban, Marvin Hamlisch, Diana Krall, Jerry Lewis, Audra McDonald, Maureen McGovern, Buddy Rich, Barbra Streisand and Mel Tormé, the Grammy and Emmy award winning Musiker has guest conducted The New York Philharmonic and the Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and National Symphony Orchestras.
Musiker will once again conduct the Palm Beach Pops for this weekend’s final concerts of the season:
One Singular Sensation
A Tribute to the Music of Marvin Hamlish
Featuring Donna McKechnie, Jodi Benson and Doug LaBrecque
Saturday, March 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Boca Raton Community Church
Sunday, March 8, 2015 at 7:30 p.m.
Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
How to Purchase Tickets to The Palm Beach Pops:
For performances at the Boca Raton Community Church call the Palm Beach Pops Box Office at 561.832.7677.
For performances at the Kravis Center, call 561.832.7469.
About The Palm Beach Pops:
Founded in 1991 by the late Music Director and Conductor Bob Lappin, The Palm Beach Pops quickly distinguished itself as a world-class pops orchestra, dedicated to preserving the American Songbook. In addition to on-going concerts, The Palm Beach Pops is devoted to serving the children in its community by presenting quality music education programs. The Pops created the “Music & You” In-School Youth Education Program to expose students to new learning experiences and positive role models while developing creativity, providing tools for communication and enabling students to build a strong sense of self. The Palm Beach Pops is a non-profit organization, supported solely through the generosity of individual donations, institutional grants, and concert income. For more information, please visit palmbeachpops.org or call 561.832.7677.
April, 2015 – FREE Community Day at Ann Norton Sculpure Gardens
ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS TO HOST FREE COMMUNITY DAY ON APRIL 4
Gardens Conservancy to present special exhibition of Ann Norton’s drawings: Beyond the Garden Gates
(WEST PALM BEACH) In its second year, the Gardens Conservancy at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is hosting a special event for the community, to honor its mission of expanding the visibility and appreciation of artist Ann Norton’s work and legacy.
From April 1-4, the historic home on the grounds of the Sculpture Gardens will host “Beyond the Garden Gates” a very special exhibition of Ann Norton’s charcoal and pastel studies for her iconic gateway structures, Tibetan and bird series. As a way to introduce the Gardens to even more guests, the Gardens Conservancy will open the Gardens to the public on Saturday, April 4 free of charge.
“Ann’s drawings are quite revealing,” said Frances Fisher, founding chair for the Gardens Conservancy. “They show her thought process on the way to creating her monuments. Her drawings reflect her impact from an artistic point of view and they continue the process of bringing her story to life. Once you get to know Ann, you can’t help but fall in love with her story, these beautiful gardens, this wonderful and historic home, and her significance as an American artist. We hope guests will continue to get to know Ann Norton through her gift to our community of this very special place.”
The never-before-exhibited works were executed circa 1950s to 1970s. Along with rare personal and archival materials, and maquettes of some of the monuments currently displayed in the Gardens, the exhibition will give the viewer an intimate glimpse of Ann Norton’s creative process and her artistic significance.
“Beyond the Garden Gates” will be previewed on March 31 by Gardens Conservancy members at their second annual luncheon in the Gardens. The Conservancy luncheon will also honor two local women who reflect Ann Norton’s philosophy about philanthropy and the concept of sharing her garden, art and home with the community. Palm Beacher Cynthia Sulzberger and West Palm Beach resident Sarah Benitz will receive the Ann Norton Award for Philanthropy for their exemplary leadership to uphold the ideals set forth by Ann Norton and her gift of the gardens to the community.
The historic Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, Inc. is a recognized 501 (c) (3) operating foundation, established in 1977 by the prominent sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (1905-1982). Launched just last year, the Gardens Conservancy is a group of supporters dedicated to honoring Norton’s legacy by cultivating creative community partnerships to enhance educational programs and cultural awareness of the Gardens, and implementing exciting horticultural projects to maintain the garden as a vibrant feature of the community.
For Conservancy membership information or details for the April exhibition at the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, please visit www.ansg.org or call 561-832-5328. The rare palm and sculpture gardens, exhibition galleries and artist studio are located at 2051 South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach and are currently open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.
March, 2014 – AW in Pics
Just a few highlights of happenings Around Wellington. For many more photos, visit the link “Photo Galleries” on this site! For recent videos, click on our “Videos” link.
February, 2015 – Hanley Center’s 20th Annual Family Picnic
HANLEY CENTER FOUNDATION’S 20th ANNUAL FAMILY PICNIC CELEBRATES A MILESTONE
Child-friendly benefit raised funds for substance abuse prevention efforts in local schools
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) On Sunday, February 22, Hanley Center Foundation’s 20th annual Family Picnic raised critical funds for the nonprofit’s prevention and education programs. Held under a ringside tent at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, the benefit offered the opportunity for families to come together for a day of activities for all ages – a key way to prevent future substance abuse, according to Picnic chairman Val Perez.
“When statistics say one in four Americans will have an alcohol or drug problem at some point, nearly everyone we know is touched by substance abuse in some way,” shared Perez. “Hanley Center Foundation does an incredible job of educating our community and raising awareness about the effects of addiction. Additionally, events like the Family Picnic offer a great opportunity to gather families – a key component of prevention – to get people talking. The more people are talking, the better chance we have at breaking down the stigma that still comes with the disease of addiction.”
The day’s line up of events included VIP seats for world-class equestrian show jumping, animal encounters, face painting, a photo booth with fun props, a magician, a kids-only silent auction and a family-focused luncheon — marking the Hanley Center Foundation’s 20th year of raising funds for substance abuse prevention efforts in local schools. In addition to the silent auctions, Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, honorary chairman, auctioned off “Sheriff for a Day” experiences to three lucky families, raising funds that totaled more than $10,000.
“For twenty years, this event has met a critical need in our community by raising funds for our prevention and education department,” said Hanley Center Foundation CEO Dr. Rachel Docekal. “Our prevention staff provides age-appropriate substance abuse programs to elementary, middle and high school students in public and private schools using a model that reinforces self-confidence, positive messaging and positive peer pressure. We hope the families who attended the Picnic saw it as an opportunity to reinforce that family time is time well spent, all while benefiting a really important cause. We thank our chairs, committee and sponsors for their leadership in making this year’s milestone such a success.”
Led by chairmen Val Perez and Denise Groo; co-chairmen Michelle and Bob Diffenderfer, and Dena and Bill Foman; honorary chairmen Dorothy and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, and honorary media chairmen Roxanne Stein and Bill Adams, this year’s committee included the following members: Teri Barbera, Jack Barrett, Krista Basore, CJ and Turner Benoit, Amy and Ryan Bridger, Sally D. Chester, R.N.; Laura Gallo, Donna and Bob Goldfarb, Suzanne and Michael Holmes, Kai Li Fouts Jette and Chris Jette, Lauren and Daniel Lieberman, Celeste Lioce and Karyn & Justin Cartlidge, Liz Mathewson, Fran Marcone, Michelle and John McGovern, Mary Katherine Morales, Jillian Percella, Michele Poole, Rick Reikenis, John Riordan, Lisa and Dan Thomas, and Karen Vaughn.
Generous sponsors of the Family Picnic included: Hanley Family Foundation; Florida Crystals; Sunny and Abe Rosenberg Foundation; Florida Power & Light Company; Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office; Mark and Mary Freitas; McLaughlin & Stern; PNC Wealth Management; Sarah Cortvriend, Esq.; Lewis Longman & Walker, P.A.; TD Bank; Val Perez & Denise Groo; Kai Li Fotus Jette, Esq. & Chris Jette, Esq.; Reikenis & Associates; Table 26, Ed Schmidt and Ozzie Medeiros; LILA PHOTO; Downtown at the Gardens & Kendall Rumsey; Slatkow & Husak Public Relations; Marie & Ted Deckert; Suzanne & Michael Holmes; Barbara Suflas Noble; The First Tee of the Palm Beaches; Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley, P.A.; Dari Bowman; Kim Coleman; Anderson, Azeredo & Lioce, CPAs; Cindy & Bob Emmett; The Law Offices of Scott Young, P.A.; and Auction Ladies. Media Sponsors included: Sunny 107.9FM and WPTV NewsChannel 5.
In addition to providing substance abuse prevention and education programs for parents, caregivers and school-age children, Hanley Center Foundation also provides scholarships for patients who could not otherwise afford addiction treatment. For more information about Hanley Center Foundation’s prevention programming or scholarships, please visit www.hanleycenterfoundation.org For more information on Hanley Center Foundation’s special events, please email events@hanleycenterfoundation.org or call (561) 841-1212.
March, 2015 – Customized Experiences at Eau Palm Beach
CUSTOMIZED EXPERIENCES PAIR FAMILY WE-TIME WITH ME-TIME FOR THE ULTIMATE SPRING BREAK ESCAPE
Individually Tailored Activities and Adventures Shake Up Family Vacation Stereotype
PALM BEACH, Fla. (Mar. 6, 2015) – Offering a fresh approach to the traditional family spring break escape, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa continues to eschew the cookie cutter by unveiling a curate-your-own vacation that offers as much “we-time” and “me-time” that suits an effortless getaway for the entire gang.
Sprawled across seven acres of private beach that kiss the Atlantic, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa is an amenity-rich outpost that liberates the standard of Five Diamond luxury with flawless service and simple elegances paired with bespoke experiences and playfully indulgent surprises. This spring, customizing a turnkey vacation is a breeze with the “Effortless Escape” promotion that offers Eau Palm Beach luxe living currency that increases throughout the stay. Guests can select from a menu of resort-wide experiences, adventures and delights that include multi-course chefs tasting menus, bejeweled facials, DJ mixing instruction in a professional recording studio, and more.
Curate your Spring Break Family Escape with experiences that include:
- Picnic A Go-Go – Fit the family on the fleet of custom designed picnic bicycles, created just for Eau Palm Beach by Republic Bicycles and take the Eau experience on the road with a gourmet lunch and picnic blanket. A map of local bike routes and hot spots puts a fun spin on Palm BeachIsland site seeing.
- Glam Mom-cation – The gold standard for sublime spa destinations, the Forbes Five-Star rated, 42,000 square foot Eau Spa shatters stereotype as a luxury adult playground and spa wonderland where time stands still. An uninterrupted refresh will put the spring back into Mom’s step and this season each spa reservation includes one hour of complimentary time for the kids in Aquanuts. Check-in to a mini Mom-cation with the indulgent Mother’s Perfect Day head-to-toe makeover experience which includes a 30-minute body scrub, 60-minute massage, 60-minute facial, classic manicure and pedicure and glam hair blow out.
- Where the Coolest Teens COAST – The hippest Palm Beach hub for the uber cool teen crowd, check into COAST for an afternoon where hours fly by with passion starters including a DJ lab with turntables and mixing equipment, GoPro camera rentals, production studio to create movies, write scripts and story boards, and a mini-spa for glittering manis and pedis.
- BBQ Smoke-Out – Sunny spring afternoons never tasted so good – gather the gang and enjoy a family-style down home BBQ with ribs, chicken, shrimp, mouth-watering sides and desserts.
- Pint-Sized Paradise – Check little ones ages 5-12 into AquaNuts for full-day, half-day or hourly sessions of parent-free creativity. From jumping into their stage debut on the Underwater Oyster Pearl Theatre, to scaling the climbing reef and exploring a cave that holds a treasure chest filled with costumes and surprises, or even learning the latest moves in a dance class … options for fun are endless.
- Dive Into Your Favorite Flick – Gather the gang and celebrate balmy Palm Beach nights at the resort pool for a Dive-In Movie Night. Cocktails for adults, slushes for the kids, silver screen classics and heated towels make for an evening to remember.
- Spring Break Camp – When mom and dad can’t get away, the kids can still have a great spring break with this memorable Eau Palm Beach kids’ camp. Explore magical underwater caves in Aquanuts, scale a climbing wall, indulge in spa treatments, be a DJ, and more for the best spring break ever.
- Kids eat free – Throughout the spring months (March 13 – April 4), children (accompanied by an adult) eat free at Temple Orange (Must be a hotel guest)
- It’s Who You Know On Antique Row – Have an insider’s peek at how the legends “do” Antique Row with the Eau Palm Beach Antique Row experience. The resident vintage shopping maven will escort mom in vintage luxury transportation to the famed destination for a curated visit to the must-see boutiques, both popular and little-known for a day of history, shopping and incredible finds.
Book the Effortless Escape by April 16, 2015 to receive Eau Palm Beach currency of up to $600 to customize your spring break stay through April 19, 2015.
- Stay 3 nights – Receive a $200 credit
- Stay 5 nights – Receive a $400 credit
- Stay 7 or more nights – Receive a $600 credit
Spring room rates begin at $499. The “Effortless Escape” offer is subject to availability and requires advance reservations. For more information or to reserve the “Effortless Escape” promotion visit www.eaupalmbeach.com/escape, contact your travel professional or call 800.328.0170 and use promo code ESCAPE.
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About Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa injects fun, passion and style into the world of Five Diamond beach resorts. We are purveyors of a new-fashioned luxury: one that is smart, sophisticated, and witty. We create unforgettable custom adventures that stand-out from the traditional. Part intimate ocean retreat, part social hub, Eau Palm Beach is a breezy, blissful outpost where relaxed elegance, thoughtful service, and artfully-unexpected spoils combine to create a wonderland of joy.
Situated on a secluded private beach on seven acres of the Atlantic coast with breathtaking ocean views and lush tropical gardens, the AAA Five Diamond resort was recently recognized as one of Florida’s top resorts in the 2014 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Spacious accommodations designed by iconic potter, designer and author Jonathan Adler give a Capri meets Santorini meets Palm Beach vibe and feature private balconies with hanging chairs to enjoy ocean views. The resort’s many amenities include the award-winning 42,000 square foot Eau Spa, three Har-tru tennis courts, two pools, and outstanding child and teen clubs and programs. With over 30,000 square feet of meeting and event space, Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa accommodates groups from 10 to 1,000 and offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor venues for private events. Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa has four restaurants and is just minutes from the lively Palm Beach nightlife and shopping. For more information, please visit www.eaupalmbeach.com, contact your travel professional or call 1.800.EAU.0170 or 561-533-6000.